Nikola Jokic isn’t one to toss around praise lightly, but when the reigning Finals MVP was asked about Jaylen Brown during All-Star Weekend, he didn’t hesitate. The Denver Nuggets star gave Brown his flowers - and for good reason.
“He’s playing at a high level, scoring the ball, and he’s such a good defensive player too,” Jokic said. “The versatility to him is he can play both sides of the ball… he’s a really good player.”
That’s not just a polite All-Star soundbite - it’s a nod from one of the game’s most cerebral players to someone who’s been quietly putting together one of the strongest campaigns of the season. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for an extended stretch due to an Achilles injury, Brown has taken the reins in Boston and hasn’t looked back.
Through 49 games, Brown is averaging 29.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists - all career highs. He’s doing it efficiently too, shooting 48.3% from the field and nearly 35% from beyond the arc, all while logging over 34 minutes a night. But it’s not just the numbers - it’s the way he’s carrying the Celtics.
Without Tatum, Brown has stepped into a role that demands more than just scoring. He’s had to be the engine, the tone-setter, and the leader.
And he’s delivered. He’s strung together multiple 30-point performances, and heading into the All-Star break, he’s tied for third in the league in points per game.
That’s elite territory.
The Celtics, meanwhile, have defied expectations. At 35-19, they sit second in the East - a testament not only to Brown’s production, but also to his leadership.
He’s been the stabilizing force in a season that could’ve easily gone sideways. Players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have stepped up, and the addition of Nikola Vucevic has added depth, but make no mistake - this team runs through Brown right now.
He’s also battled through some bumps along the way, including a brief absence earlier this month due to hamstring and knee soreness. But even that didn’t slow him down. He’s come back looking just as sharp, continuing to anchor both ends of the floor.
Brown’s two-way play has always been part of his identity, but this season, it’s been on full display. He’s guarding top perimeter threats, switching onto bigger wings, and still carrying a heavy offensive load. That kind of versatility is rare - and it’s exactly what Jokic was referring to.
As the second half of the season looms, Brown has put himself firmly in the MVP conversation. Whether he ultimately takes home the hardware remains to be seen, but what’s clear is this: Jaylen Brown has arrived as a true franchise cornerstone. And with Tatum expected back down the stretch, the Celtics could be gearing up for a serious run - with Brown leading the charge.